A vintage-style analog drum machine from Korg's recently announced Volca series. The Volca Beats includes a 16-step sequencer and 6 x editable analog parts including kick, snare, Hi/Lo toms and open & closed Hi-Hats designed to provide sounds reminiscent of classic 80s drum machines. It also has an additional PCM engine which is said to produce 4 x Lo-Fi percussion sounds including clap, claves, agogo and crash sounds.

There is one-knob-per-function parameter control for crafting each of the six analog sounds including click, snappy, pitch, decay and grain. The PCM sounds have control over pitch and speed. There is also a Level knob allowing volume adjustment of each part.

The 16-step LED-lit sequencer has 8 x memory locations for saving patterns. It includes a recordable stutter function for generating repeated triggers (or drum rolls) and delay effects, an active step feature for quickly adding or removing individual steps, and a step jump function that will instantly play any step. Notes can be entered live as the sequencer is running.

You can also wirelessly synchronise playback of all of the units in the Volca series with any iOS music app that support Korg's Wireless Sync-Start Technology (WIST) using their SyncKontrol iPhone app. This also allows control of the swing settings and fine control of the tempo (including tap tempo).

The Volca Beats is battery powered (with optional AC power) and includes a built-in speaker. It weighs in at only 372g with dimensions of 193 × 115 × 45 mm (W x D x H).

The volca series has consistently brought renewed attention to classic groove machines and historical synthesis. It now has a new focus. This time, it's the most important sound in dance music: the kick.

The volca kick is an analog kick generator that's made for sound design. An analog circuit based on the powerful resonant sound of the original MS-20 filter, it lets you create a wide range of kick sounds only possible through analog circuitry, ranging from solid kick drums to crisp kick basses. The 16-step sequencer, a distinctive feature of the volca, now has a new Touch FX feature that lets you control an effect instantly, giving you even more live performance potential. Experience the stunning power of an analog kick that cannot be obtained from a plug-in or a sample.

Analog kick sounds generated by MS-20 filter oscillation:

The volca kick generates powerfully present kick sounds using a completely analog circuit. To create those sounds, it uses not a typical sine wave, but the sound of an oscillating filter from the original MS-20. The powerful Rev.1 filter of the MS-20 self-oscillates when resonance is increased to the maximum, and this is used to produce powerful kick sounds with complex overtones.

Simple and effective parameters are provided, allowing you to freely design a wide range of kick sounds to your taste. Start the sound design process by using MS-20 RESONATOR (PITCH/BEND/TIME) to control the sense of pitch that generates the "body resonance" of the kick sound. Then use PULSE COLOUR/LEVEL to adjust the clip components to control the sense of attack, and AMP ATTACK/DECAY to intuitively control the decay of the sound. From tight kicks to fat, slow-decaying kicks, and pitched kick bass, it's possible to create kick sounds that are appropriate for every type of dance music.

Aggressively control the sound using DRIVE and TONE:

In addition to the analog kick generator circuit based on the MS-20 filter, there's an analog drive that includes multiple stages of distortion. The distortion level and type can be varied by a single knob, increasing the variety and power of the kick sounds. You can use the tone control to transform the character of the sound by adjusting the high-frequency range.

Powerful kick bass that rules the beat:

The volca kick is not just a kick drum machine. You can use the 16-key touch-panel keyboard to perform dynamic kick bass, and take advantage of the volca kick's powerful analog circuitry to generate the sub bass sound that's indispensable to dance music styles such as grime or trap.

Since the volca kick covers a wide pitch range from low- to mid-frequencies, your sequences can include a variety of sounds including low tom, high tom, and sound effects.

16-step sequencer allows automation of all parameters:

The volca kick features a 16-step sequencer that gives you plenty of improvisatory freedom. You can use it to quickly lay out a kick drum pattern, and it also supports realtime recording, which is an ideal way to perform kick bass phrases. And the pattern chain function lets you connect multiple sequence patterns for successive playback, making it possible to construct large-scale developments of 32, 64, or even 256 steps by joining up to 16 sequences.

The volca kick's motion sequence function records your knob movements, letting you add time-varying change to the sound. This is great way to polish your loops, and also lets you generate highly original live performances. Up to 16 sequence patterns and sounds can be stored in internal memory.

The new Touch FX function further strengthens the performance potential of the volca kick. You can instantly trigger a sequence effect simply by touching a step key, transforming your realtime performance in kaleidoscopic ways.

Sequence effects include the roll function that plays a sound repeatedly, the octave function that raises the pitch by one or two octaves, and the sustain function that immediately maximizes the amp decay. These are great ways to create punchy and powerful breaks.

Playback can be synchronized with another unit:

The volca kick provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to many of KORG's other synths and groove machines. Connect to other volca units, minilogue, electribe or SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronized sequencer playback. The MIDI IN jack lets you use the volca kick as a sound module for DAW and MIDI controller.

Notes: Too many of today's rhythm machines are too complex to use. Many musicians wish that they could enjoy casually performing while being backed up by real rhythm patterns rather than just a metronome.

Korg has responded to these wishes with the KR Mini rhythm machine. It features a simple design that eliminates all complex functions, looks that overflow with nostalgia and analog-like controls. Playing a rhythm pattern is easy and intuitive; just press or strike the pads and turn the knobs.

Although operation is simple, there's no compromise with the sound. A total of 60 diverse rhythm patterns are ready to accompany you. Easy, simple and compact, the KR mini can play its role anywhere; it's the rhythm machine that many musicians have been waiting for.

Many musicians wish that they could enjoy casually performing while being backed up by real rhythm patterns rather than just a metronome. Korg has responded to these wishes with the KR Mini rhythm machine. It features a simple design that eliminates all complex functions, looks that overflow with nostalgia and analog-like controls. Playing a rhythm pattern is easy as making selection and pressing play. A total of 60 diverse rhythm patterns and 120 fills are ready to accompany you. Easy, simple and compact, the KR mini can play its role anywhere.

A dedicated knob helps you select the musical genres you want quickly. Six variations and two fills are available within each of the genres. KR mini covers a wide range of genres including 8-beat, 16-beat, rock and pop. In addition, three are eight song patterns containing drum parts that are several measures in length to jam along with.

KR Mini's Chain function lets you easily arrange patterns to create complete songs. Jump from one pattern to another, add fill-ins, and specify the loop end location as well as the number of playback repetitions with ease.

At the push of a button, the 16 pads double up as drum playable drum pads. All of the sounds of the KR mini are available in this mode, and you can finger drum on a whim the pads are velocity sensitive; letting you create even more dynamic drum phrases. Although finger drumming has typically been done using a PC-based system with samplers and MIDI controllers, the compact KR mini, with its built-in speaker and battery-powered operation means that now you can enjoy performing on the street, outdoors, or anywhere you may be inspired.

Two pedal inputs you are available to allow use of optional footswitches, allowing you to use your foot to start/stop the rhythm or to control fill-ins. In a performance environment, you'll be able to smoothly control the KR mini while continuously playing your instrument. The KR mini also has a headphone/speaker output, so you can connect it to your PA system. Use it with a guitar amp or compact multi-channel PA to create a simple setup for live performance.

Notes: Welcome to an infinitely expanding world of sound-design. Joining volca kick and beats as the third, and most unique, drum synth in the volca lineup. The volca series is all about unique sound. Whether it's analogue, PCM, or FM, the volca series puts unique sounds into an accessible platform. And now, the series is joined by a new rhythm machine that brings yet another sonic character. It's the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer. Based on a simple trigger waveform, wave folder and overdrive are used to add overtones and distortion, and then a waveguide resonator effect brings the sound to life. The six-part DSP synth engine was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, and generates a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds. And of course, you can play those sounds from the volca-style sequencer.

The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analogue modelling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums.

The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits).

Distinctive sound from a newly developed DSP engine:

Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. Layer parameters can be edited either individually or simultaneously, and users can also use the two layers to produce the same sound for additional thickness.

Waveguide resonator adds rich resonances:

The effect section features a waveguide resonator that's based on physical modelling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the sound. You can choose from two types of waveguide: "tube" which adds the resonance of a cylindrical object such as a drum body or a long pipe, or "strings" which adds the metallic resonance of a string. The three knobs located in the centre of the panel let you specify the DECAY (amount of attenuation), BODY (sonic character), and TUNE (pitch). Setting TUNE to a lower value will produce a delay-like behaviour. You can take advantage of these knobs not only for sound design but also in your live performances.

16-step sequencer with a wide range of parameter automation:

The 16-step sequencer is excellent for improvisation. You can easily create patterns using the 16 buttons, each corresponding to one of the 16 steps. In addition to step recording, the sequencer also supports realtime recording in which you can construct a pattern while looping the playback. The pattern chain function lets you play multiple sequence patterns successively, so you can successively play back desired patterns of consecutive numbers. Up to 16 sequences can be connected to construct patterns with 256 steps.

Notes: The ultimate drum sound, anytime and anywhere! Numerous rhythm patterns built into a practical interface! The new KR-55 Pro is a multi-function rhythm machine that's also equipped with mixer/recorder functionality.

Experience the same musical support as if a pro drummer were sitting in on your session. The KR-55 Pro gives you an easy way to enjoy jam sessions with the backing of real drum/percussion sounds. It provides a rich variety of input jacks, mixer functionality, effects, and equalizer, as well as a versatile recorder that can record to an SD card. The intuitive interface means that there's no need for complex programming. Battery-powered operation allows complete mobility from desktop to street performances, or use in a variety of situations including live events in small spaces.

Drum/percussion sound that overturns your concept of a rhythm machine:

The KR-55 Pro features "Real Groove Technology" which uses data recorded from actual professional musicians performing at various tempi, and is a completely different technology than conventional rhythm machines. There is a total of 24 high-quality rhythm styles, each fine-tuned to provide the best possible feel, to accurately reproduce the experience of playing with a percussionist. The sounds, grooves, and phrases will play back at pristine quality even if you change the tempo, so you can enjoy playing serious jam sessions at your own pace.

Use the chain function to easily create sophisticated rhythm tracks:

Each rhythm style includes a wide variety of patterns: two variations in addition to basic, fill-in 1, and fill-in 2. This means that the KR-55 Pro can provide the accompaniment for an entire song. By using the chain function, which lets you put together and memorize a different rhythm style for each measure, you can freely create even complex rhythm tracks. Up to 30 banks of chains can be stored, and each chain can be up to 999 measures long.

A rich array of input jacks and full-fledged mixer functionality:

The KR-55 Pro provides a rich array of input jacks that accommodate a variety of instruments: a guitar or bass can be connected to INPUT 1/2, and the XLR jack accepts a mic input. You can let the KR-55 Pro take care of the rhythm, and enjoy a full-band performance with guitar, bass, and vocals. A reverb effect can be applied to each input source, and TREBLE and BASS equalizer are also provided so that you can shape your sound in detail. The AUX INPUT supports stereo, and can be connected to a digital audio player, a keyboard, or an effect unit that's equipped with stereo output. Together, they allow you to use up to four channels.

In addition to built-in rhythm styles, the KR-55 Pro is equipped with a versatile recorder function that can record a variety of input sources. You can record your own performances along with the built-in rhythm styles, a favourite song, or karaoke tracks that you created on your DAW. The recorded data can be exported as a WAV file to an SD card, so the KR-55 Pro is all you need to create widely-usable tracks. You can also multitrack-record your guitar and bass to produce more complex tracks. Also provided are editing functions such as undo/redo and punch-in, and you can also place markers at the desired location of the recorded data, and overdub while looping the playback.

Player function can play back audio files from an SD card:

The KR-55 Pro is equipped with an audio player function that can play back audio files (wav) from an SD card. You can take advantage of Acoustage and use this unit as a high-quality listening system, or prepare backing tracks for you to play along with. There's also a playlist function (10 banks) that lets you manage the file playback order of up to 24 songs, so you can play back songs in a desired order for your live performance. In addition, the playback speed can be adjusted in the range of -25% to +25%, and you can also make files play repeatedly or automatically in succession. Whether you're practicing at home or performing in front of an audience, the KR-55 Pro is packed with functions that will be useful in various situations.

Tuner and metronome functions with a large and easily readable meter:

A tuner with the high precision that you expect from KORG is built in. When you turn this function on, the rhythm style buttons become a tuning meter, allowing you to tune with a large and easily visible meter. You can also tune while listening to a guitar, bass, or piano guide tone, or sound a metronome for convenient practicing.

Notes: The ultimate drum sound, anytime and anywhere! Numerous rhythm patterns built into a practical interface! The new KR-55 Pro is a multi-function rhythm machine that's also equipped with mixer/recorder functionality.

Experience the same musical support as if a pro drummer were sitting in on your session. The KR-55 Pro gives you an easy way to enjoy jam sessions with the backing of real drum/percussion sounds. It provides a rich variety of input jacks, mixer functionality, effects, and equalizer, as well as a versatile recorder that can record to an SD card. The intuitive interface means that there's no need for complex programming. Battery-powered operation allows complete mobility from desktop to street performances, or use in a variety of situations including live events in small spaces.

Drum/percussion sound that overturns your concept of a rhythm machine:

The KR-55 Pro features "Real Groove Technology" which uses data recorded from actual professional musicians performing at various tempi, and is a completely different technology than conventional rhythm machines. There is a total of 24 high-quality rhythm styles, each fine-tuned to provide the best possible feel, to accurately reproduce the experience of playing with a percussionist. The sounds, grooves, and phrases will play back at pristine quality even if you change the tempo, so you can enjoy playing serious jam sessions at your own pace.

Use the chain function to easily create sophisticated rhythm tracks:

Each rhythm style includes a wide variety of patterns: two variations in addition to basic, fill-in 1, and fill-in 2. This means that the KR-55 Pro can provide the accompaniment for an entire song. By using the chain function, which lets you put together and memorize a different rhythm style for each measure, you can freely create even complex rhythm tracks. Up to 30 banks of chains can be stored, and each chain can be up to 999 measures long.

A rich array of input jacks and full-fledged mixer functionality:

The KR-55 Pro provides a rich array of input jacks that accommodate a variety of instruments: a guitar or bass can be connected to INPUT 1/2, and the XLR jack accepts a mic input. You can let the KR-55 Pro take care of the rhythm, and enjoy a full-band performance with guitar, bass, and vocals. A reverb effect can be applied to each input source, and TREBLE and BASS equalizer are also provided so that you can shape your sound in detail. The AUX INPUT supports stereo, and can be connected to a digital audio player, a keyboard, or an effect unit that's equipped with stereo output. Together, they allow you to use up to four channels.

In addition to built-in rhythm styles, the KR-55 Pro is equipped with a versatile recorder function that can record a variety of input sources. You can record your own performances along with the built-in rhythm styles, a favourite song, or karaoke tracks that you created on your DAW. The recorded data can be exported as a WAV file to an SD card, so the KR-55 Pro is all you need to create widely-usable tracks. You can also multitrack-record your guitar and bass to produce more complex tracks. Also provided are editing functions such as undo/redo and punch-in, and you can also place markers at the desired location of the recorded data, and overdub while looping the playback.

Player function can play back audio files from an SD card:

The KR-55 Pro is equipped with an audio player function that can play back audio files (wav) from an SD card. You can take advantage of Acoustage and use this unit as a high-quality listening system, or prepare backing tracks for you to play along with. There's also a playlist function (10 banks) that lets you manage the file playback order of up to 24 songs, so you can play back songs in a desired order for your live performance. In addition, the playback speed can be adjusted in the range of -25% to +25%, and you can also make files play repeatedly or automatically in succession. Whether you're practicing at home or performing in front of an audience, the KR-55 Pro is packed with functions that will be useful in various situations.

Tuner and metronome functions with a large and easily readable meter:

A tuner with the high precision that you expect from KORG is built in. When you turn this function on, the rhythm style buttons become a tuning meter, allowing you to tune with a large and easily visible meter. You can also tune while listening to a guitar, bass, or piano guide tone, or sound a metronome for convenient practicing.